Reducing Polypharmacy Among Older People

Polypharmacy, the use of five or more medications at once, is common among older people, especially those living in long-term care (LTC) institutions. This is a major health concern as the physiological changes that occur with aging make older people susceptible to the adverse effects of polypharmacy. Nurses administering medication to older people in LTC institutions need to be aware of the factors that can influence medication management in older people. This article identified the incidence of polypharmacy among older people, and it associated adverse effects. Roles of nurses in reducing polypharmacy were discussed. Recommendations to promote safe medication use were also